Apple in talks with operators about iSlate

Apple has approached several UK operators about selling its
upcoming tablet computer - dubbed the 'iSlate' - according to
reports.

The US company is understood to be talking to Orange about its
new device. O2 and Vodafone are also believed to be interested.
The tablet is expected to be available from Carphone Warehouse.

The iPhone manufacturer company is expected to unveil the iSlate
at an event in San Francisco on 27 January and it is likely to be
on sale in the US in March. It should appear in the UK much later
in the spring, according to The Guardian.

The price of the device could be reduced if Apple can persuade a
mobile phone company to subsidise it, the newspaper said.

The iSlate it is expected to have a 10-inch touch-screen, no
keyboard and will allow users to surf the web, watch TV
programmes and read digitised magazines and newspapers.
It should be Wi-Fi enabled, but will also be able to connect to
mobile networks, meaning users will need to sign up to a mobile
broadband contract.

Reports have suggested that Apple is looking for mobile partners
willing to bundle a mobile broadband contract with the iSlate.

However, it is unlikely an operator tie-up will make the device
free - as it could cost up to £816 in the UK.